Standup Paddle Board Station

ABSTRACT

Portable stations, consoles, seats, storage containers, compartments and easy to attach and detach accessories and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus for use with standup paddle boards and decks on other watercraft. The stations can be formed from lightweight plastic, and are floatable. The stations have plural seats and storage compartments for gear, food, beverages, gloves and other items, and include holders to support fishing rods and posts for shade covers.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/959,711 filed Aug. 30, 2013. The entire disclosure of the application listed in this paragraph is incorporated herein by specific reference thereto.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to standup paddle boards (SUPs), and in particular to portable stations, consoles, seats, storage containers, and compartments and easy to attach and detach accessories and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle boards.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Standup paddle boards (SUPS) have become increasingly popular with water sports enthusiasts as an alternative to kayaks, canoes, and other types of watercraft. The user generally stands on the SUP and uses a paddle to move the SUP through the water. However, the constant standing up makes the SUPs uncomfortable for users spending substantial time on the boards. Additionally, the plain board design of SUPS makes the boards difficult for users to pursue other activities, such as fish from the boards. Still furthermore, basic SUPS have no storage space for gear, or for supplies or for food and beverages.

Various types of devices have been developed as an accessory for SUPS that attempt to modify the board for additional use. For example, attempts have been made to mount seats on the boards.

U.S. Published Patent Application 2013/0189885 to Wood et al. and SUPSEAT from Oswego Oreg. show narrow diameter pedestal type seats for boards. However, these types of devices are generally cover small seat cushions on a pedestal and generally need for the user to balance themself on the small seat on top of the pedestal. These types of devices do not have closed storage for gear, such as clothing, food and beverages, and are limited to one seat, and appear to require metal parts that can rust in a water environment, and offer no shade for the user. Furthermore, fishing rods and the like would be difficult to safely store with these pedestal seats.

Merely strapping a chair type seat would also not solve the problems, especially if the seat has metal components that can rust, and the larger seats may be both bulky and difficult to carry as well as be too heavy to be moved on and off the board. Also, the same problems would potentially exist as to the lack of storage space for gear, food and beverages, as well as not providing shade and be limited to a single seat.

Other attempts have been made to use to strap foldable seat pads the boards. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,651,576 to Farber. Similarly, these folding seat cushions can have similar problems with no closed storage for gear, clothing, food and beverages, and are limited to one seat, and offer no shade for the user, and fishing rods and the like would be difficult to safely store.

Further attempts have been made to try to mount portable coolers to the boards with or without a folding seat cushion. However, the coolers are generally intended to be used on land, and are bulky and difficult to attach to the board. The storage inside would be generally limited to a single compartment where it can be difficult to store both gear and clothing and food and beverages with each other. Furthermore, these types of devices are also generally limited to one seat per cooler, and offer no shade for the user, as well as offer no safe way of holding fishing rods, and the like.

Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, seats, storage containers, compartments and easy to attach and detach accessories and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP).

A secondary objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board(SUP) for allowing any SUP enthusiast the luxury of sitting and/or resting while paddling.

A third objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) as an all-in-one accessory that sits atop any paddleboard to provide storage, stability and comfort.

A fourth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) which is light, durable, and stackable.

A fifth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) which is easy to clean, easy to transport, easy to install and is suitable for all paddleboard enthusiasts, from the novice to the seasoned SUP veteran.

A sixth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) having many useful features including a built-in drink holder, storage tray, and plural large storage compartments.

A seventh objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) having a compartment with a sturdy hinged seat with seat pads.

An eighth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) having compartments that can be used for storage, coolers, bait buckets, tackles boxes, other gear, clothing, food and beverages.

A ninth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) with built-in rod holders for fishing enthusiasts.

A tenth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) that can be affixed to the deck with straps such as tie-down straps for security and safety.

An eleventh objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) that can be easily removed from the SUP to provide seating and storage at the beach, by a lake, along a river, on picnics, for camping and the like.

A twelfth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) that can provide cover for users from inclement weather.

A thirteenth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP), that is lightweight (made from plastic), waterproof, and floats.

A fourteenth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) having two seats and two double storage lockers.

A fifteenth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) having accessible fishing rod holders, glove boxes, and drink holders.

A sixteenth objective of the invention is to provide portable stations, consoles, and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus with standup paddle board (SUP) that accepts t-tops for shade.

The stations can be attachable and detachable by straps and the like to standup paddle boards (SUPs) and decks on other watercraft.

The stations can be formed from plastic, and be lightweight and are floatable. The stations can have plural seats and storage compartments for gear and food and beverages, as well as have fishing rod holders, compartments for gloves and gears, and drinks. The stations can support posts for t-top shades.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an upper rear left perspective view of the novel standup paddle board station.

FIG. 2 is an upper front right perspective view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front end view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear end view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an upper exploded view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a lower exploded view of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an upper rear left perspective view of the removable backrest for the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an upper front left perspective view of the removable backrest for the station of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the backrest of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the backrest of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the backrest of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the backrest of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is another upper rear left perspective view of the station of FIG. 1 with the backrest stored in a compartment.

FIG. 16 is another upper front right perspective view of the station of FIG. 1 with the backrest stored in a compartment.

FIG. 17 is another upper rear left perspective view of the station of FIG. 1 stacked on another station.

FIG. 18 is another upper front right perspective view of the station of FIG. 1 stacked on another station.

FIG. 19 is a left side view of the stacked stations of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the stacked stations of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the stacked stations of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21A is an enlarged view of a portion of the stacked stations from FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is an upper right perspective view of the station of the preceding figures strapped to a standup paddle board.

FIG. 22A is an enlarged view of a strap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is an upper front perspective view of the station strapped on the standup paddle board of FIG. 22 with a stored cooler, beverages and rods in holders.

FIG. 24 another upper front perspective view of the station strapped on the standup paddle board of FIG. 22 with a stored cooler, beverages and a supported shade.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

A list of components will now be described.

-   1 Station -   10 main housing -   10B second main housing -   12 front end -   14 right side -   16 left side -   18 rear end -   20 top -   22 front compartment -   23 lid -   24 hinge -   25 mid-wall portion -   26 female sockets -   28 rear compartment -   30 bottom -   40 side indentations/side openings -   50 strap(s) -   54 deck eye -   55 peel and stick backing -   100 backrest -   110 front -   120 rear -   125 grip opening -   130 side(s) -   140 top -   142 holder for rods -   144 holder for beverages -   150 bottom -   152 male members -   160 fishing rod(s) -   170 beverage containers (can(s) and bottle(s)) -   180 cooler -   190 T-top shade -   192 support posts -   195 pivotable shade cover -   200 standup paddle board (SUP) -   210 deck on SUP

FIG. 1 is an upper rear left perspective view of the novel standup paddle board station 1. FIG. 2 is an upper front right perspective view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front end view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a rear end view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an upper exploded view of the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a lower exploded view of the station 1 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the station 1 can include a main housing 10 and a removable backrest 10. The main housing can be formed plastic as one piece, such as injection molded plastic, and the like, and be lightweight and floatable.

Housing 10 can have a convex curved front end 12 and generally planar rear end 18 with a generally planar right side 14 and planar left side 18, with open bottom 30 and top 20. Each of the corner edges of the main housing 10 can be rounded or curved.

Along both the right side 14 and left side 16 can be plural indentations and/or side openings 40, which are used for the strap(s) 50 which will be described in more detail later.

The housing 10 can have a front compartment 22 having a removable lid 23 that can be attached by a hinge 24 to a side edge of the compartment 22, and a rear compartment 28. The rear compartment can have a width of up to approximately 14.9 inches wide by approximately 14.1 inches long.

The station 10 can have a length of approximately 40.99 inches and a height of approximately 11 inches from bottom 30 to top 20, and a width of approximately 14.9 inches between the left side 16 and right side 14.

The housing 10 with attached backrest 100 can have a height of approximately 21.08 inches between the bottom 30 of the housing 10 and top 140 of the backrest 100.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, the backrest 100 can be attached a mid-wall portion 25 of the housing 10 by inserting male extending plug members 152 extending from a bottom of the backrest 100 into female receiving sockets 26 in the mid-wall portion 25 of the housing 10. The connection can be a friction fit, or snap fit, and the like.

Alternatively, the top of the mid-wall portion 25 can have upwardly protruding male member(s) that mateably insert into female socket openings through the bottom 150 of the backrest 100.

FIG. 9 is an upper rear left perspective view of the removable backrest 100 for the station 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an upper front left perspective view of the removable backrest 100 for the station 1 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a front view of the backrest 100 of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a rear view of the backrest 100 of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the backrest 100 of FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a right side view of the backrest 100 of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 7-14, the backrest 100 can also be formed from plastic, such as but not limited to injection molded plastic, and the like, and be generally hollow, and lightweight and floatable.

The backrest 100 can have a generally flat bottom 150 with a pair of downwardly protruding male members 152 extending downward therefrom.

Backrest 100 can have a generally flat vertical front side 110, inwardly tapering rear side 120 with an elongated opening 125 that can be used for a grip for lifting and lowering backrest 100. The backrest 100 can include generally upright sides 130, and along upper portions of the sides 130 can be holder(s) 142 that can be used for storing fishing rods, and the like therein. The holder(s) 142 can be sockets molded into the upper curved rounded corners of where the sides 130 meet the top 140.

Inside of top 140 can be a molded compartment or another holder 144 that for additional storage, such as for storing gear and beverage containers, such as but not limited to cans and bottles within. Compartment 144 provides easy access for users of the station 1.

FIG. 15 is another upper rear left perspective view of the main housing 10 for the station 1 of FIG. 1 with the backrest 100 stored in the rear compartment 28. FIG. 16 is another upper front right perspective view of the main housing 10 of the station 1 of FIG. 1 with the backrest 100 stored in the rear compartment 28. As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the detached backrest 100 can be stored inside of the rear compartment 28,

FIG. 17 is another upper rear left perspective view of the station 1 with main housing 10 of FIG. 1 stacked on another main housing 10B of another similar station. FIG. 18 is another upper front right perspective view of the main housing 10 of the station 1 of FIG. 1 stacked on another main housing 10B of another station. FIG. 19 is a left side view of the stacked main houses 10 and 10B of the stations of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a right side view of the stacked main houses 10 and 10B of the stations of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the stacked main houses 10 and 10B of the stations of FIG. 19. FIG. 21A is an enlarged view of a portion of the stacked main houses 10 and 10B of the stations from FIG. 21, which shows one of downwardly protruding male members 152 mateably inserted into one of the female sockets 26 in the mid-portion 25 on top 20 of the main housing 10.

Referring to FIGS. 17-21, the perimeter outer edges of the top 20B of the lower main housing 10B curved inward so as to pass into the open bottom 30 of an upper main housing 10. Front wall 12B and rear wall 18B have upper inwardly curved edges that can fit within the bottom opening 30 of the upper main housing 10. Similarly, a top of another main housing (not shown) can fit in the bottom 30B of the lower main housing 10B for stacking three main housings. Further detail in FIG. 21 shows the generally hollow interior of the housings 10 and 10B, and side indentations/side openings 40, 40B.

FIG. 22 is a upper right perspective view of the station 1 of the preceding figures strapped to a standup paddle board (SUP) 200. FIG. 22A is an enlarged view of a strap 50 of FIG. 22.

Referring to FIGS. 22, 22A, each of the upper end(s) 52 of strap(s) 50 can be hooked into an inner edge of side indentation(s) 40, with an opposite end 53 wrapped through a deck eye 54, such as a buckle, and the like, and have a hook and loop fasteners. The deck eye 54 can be attached to a deck surface 210 by a fastener, such as a peel and stick backing 55 having with adhesive layer, and the like. Alternatively, the upper end(s) 52 of the strap(s) 50 can pass through side openings 40 and into the middle of housing 10 through an opposite side opening 40 in the housing, with another end of the strap(s) fastened to the deck surface 210 in a similar manner as the deck eye 54 and peel and stick backing 55.

Although the strap(s) 50 are shown attaching to side indentation edges or through sides of the housing, the straps can pass over the top surface portions of the housing to generally clamp the housing to the SUP deck.

FIG. 23 is an upper front perspective view of the station 1 strapped on the standup paddle board 200 of FIG. 22 with a stored cooler 180 in the rear compartment 28, beverages 170, such as cans and bottles, and the like stored in the compartment holder 144. The compartment holder 144 can be used to store other items, such as but not limited to gear, clothing, keys, radios, phones, gloves, and the like.

The bottom ends of fishing rods 160 can each fit into socket type holders 142 of the sides 130 of backrest 100.

Users of the station 1 can sit on the lid 23 covering front compartment 22 and/or can sit on a cooler 180 or other box or bag, or another lid that can be placed in or on rear compartment 28. Up to two or more users can sit and rest against the front side 110 and/or rear side 120 of the backrest 100.

FIG. 24 another upper front perspective view of the station 1 strapped on the standup paddle board 200 of FIG. 22 with a stored cooler 180 in the rear compartment 28, beverages 170 in the top holder compartment 144 on the backrest 100. A T-top shade 190 having a pivotable shade cover 195 can be supported on the station 1 by inserting the lower ends of posts 192 that fit into socket type holders 142 of the sides 130 of the backrest 100. The T-top shade 190 can be tilted so that sitting user's are protected from the sun or inclement weather, such as but not limited to rain, and the like.

The shade 190 can have a shade portion that is foldable similar to a foldable beach chair, and the shade 195 can pivot so as to help shade persons sitting underneath. Sides of the shade 195 can also telescope so as to increase or decrease the size. The posts 192 can be formed from plastic, metal, and the like, and telescope up and down to raise the shade 195 as needed.

While the embodiment shows one lid 23 on the front compartment 22, the rear compartment 28 can also have a detachable lid, and the like. Although the lid 23 is described as being hinged, the lid 23 can have lift handles, to be completely detachable. Also the lid 23 can be used to seal the inside of compartments 22 and 28, so that the compartments 22, 28 can be used as storage lockers.

The novel station can easily be detached and used on land for provide seating and storage at the beach, by a lake, along a river, on picnics, for camping and the like.

Although the preferred embodiments show the station being attached to standup paddle boards, the station can be used with other watercraft, such as but not limited to kayaks, canoes, and on board decks on boats, and the like.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended. 

We claim:
 1. A portable station attaching to a deck of a watercraft, comprising: an elongated one-piece housing having a front, back, left side and right side, and top, and a bottom; two storage compartments in the housing being accessible through the top of the housing; an upright backrest attached to the top of the housing separating the two compartments from one another; and fasteners adapted for attaching the housing to a deck surface of a watercraft.
 2. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the front of the housing has a convex curved surface.
 3. The portable station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the storage compartments has a removable lid.
 4. The portable station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the compartments is useable as a seat.
 5. The portable station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the compartment is useable to store a cooler inside.
 6. The portable station of claim 1, further comprising: male members protruding downward from the backrest which mateably attach with female couplers on a top portion of the housing, the male members and female sockets for attaching and detaching the backrest from the top of the housing.
 7. The portable station of claim 1, further comprising: male members protruding upward from the top of the housing which mateably attach with female couplers on the bottom of the backrest, the male members and female sockets for attaching and detaching the backrest from the top of the housing.
 8. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the backrest includes: at least one holder for supporting fishing rods.
 9. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the backrest includes: at least one holder for supporting posts on a shade.
 10. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the backrest includes: a beverage holder.
 11. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the fasteners include: removable straps for attaching the station to the watercraft.
 12. The portable station of claim 11, wherein the straps can have ends that hook onto side edges of housing, and opposite ends that attach to fasteners on surfaces of the watercraft.
 13. The portable station of claim 11, wherein the straps can pass completely through openings in the sides of the housing and have ends that attach to fasteners on surfaces of the watercraft.
 14. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from plastic and is floatable.
 15. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the backrest is formed from plastic and is floatable.
 16. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the front of the housing has a convex curved surface.
 17. The portable station of claim 16, wherein the rear of the housing has a convex curved surface.
 18. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the watercraft includes: a standup paddle board.
 19. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the watercraft includes: a kayak.
 20. The portable station of claim 1, wherein the watercraft includes: a canoe. 